Concrete slabs have been quite popular in modern buildings and they’re mainly used for external paving, floors, and ceilings. Moreover, understanding how you can move them from one place to another is very important. And thus, what is the easiest way to move a concrete slab?
The easiest way to move a concrete slab is by either using a dolly or rollers/skates. A double-wheel dolly has a lower center of gravity to help maintain the slab’s stability. For rollers, you can opt for metal or PVC pipes, though skates are easy to use as compared to the do-it-yourself rollers.
If you have plans of using slabs, there are things you need to understand. In this post, I’ll discuss how you can easily move slabs, the steps to lift them, and the foam you can use to raise concrete. So, stick around to learn more.
Can You Move Concrete Slabs?
You can easily move concrete slab by using one of the following methods;
Using A Dolly
A double-wheel dolly has a lower center of gravity to maintain the stability of a load when moving. This arises whenever it is tipped back. Moreover, you’ll only have to raise the slab a little to have the dolly’s base beneath it.
With that, you will be good to go. Some dollies do have straps for securing the load more while moving heavy things. And based on the surface you’re rolling across, it can be great if you get inflatable wheels because they are too versatile.
Skates or Rollers
A lot of individuals are normally skillful when it comes to moving the slabs using a roller made of metal or PVC pipes. This can function well in case you open the correct path which will give you enough space for rolling the slabs.
On the other hand, rolling a slab using a skate is much simpler than a do-it-yourself roller system.
How Do You Move a Concrete Slab By Hand?
Moving a concrete slab by hand can be a daunting task, but it is possible with the right tools and techniques. First, it’s important to gather the necessary equipment, including heavy-duty gloves, a pry bar, a sledgehammer, a steel pipe or crowbar, and a team of people to help with the lifting. Begin by using the pry bar and sledgehammer to loosen any dirt or debris around the edges of the slab. Then, slide the steel pipe or crowbar under the slab and lift it up with the help of your team.
Walk slowly and carefully while carrying the slab to avoid injury or damage to the slab and remember to take breaks as needed and stay hydrated throughout the process.
How Do You Move a Heavy Concrete Slab?
Moving a heavy concrete slab requires careful planning and the right equipment. First, assess the weight and size of the slab and determine if it is possible to move it by hand. If not, you will need a forklift, crane, or other heavy machinery to lift and move the slab.
Make sure the equipment is large enough to handle the weight and size of the slab, and that the operators are properly trained and licensed to use it. Before lifting the slab, ensure that it is properly secured with straps or chains to prevent it from falling or shifting during the move.
Once the slab is lifted, carefully transport it to its destination, taking care to avoid obstacles and uneven terrain. It is important to have a team of people on hand to assist with the move and to communicate effectively throughout the process to ensure everyone’s safety.
How Do You Lift a Concrete Slab Yourself?
Moving a heavy concrete slab without any machinery or equipment requires a lot of manpower and careful coordination. First, gather a team of people who are strong, physically fit, and willing to help with the move. It’s important to have enough people to safely lift and carry the slab without risking injury.
Next, carefully assess the weight and size of the slab and determine the best approach for lifting and moving it., this will involve using heavy-duty straps or ropes to lift the slab it will also make it easier to get a good grip for lifting.
Once the slab is lifted, the team can work together to slowly and carefully move it to its destination. It’s important to communicate effectively and to take breaks as needed to avoid exhaustion or injury.
With the right technique and a strong team, it is possible to move a heavy concrete slab by manpower alone.
How Much Does It Cost to Lift a Slab?
The cost of lifting a slab depends on the number of slabs you need to lift and their sizes. This is because there are always fixed costs for every job regardless of how huge it is. For the bigger undertakings, it will always cost you less for every square foot as compared to tinier ones.
For instance, lifting a section of a sidewalk may be over 200 dollars. However, the same may only be less than 100 dollars if it is completed with some ten sections. The location where the lifting occurs can also influence the amount you pay.
You may spend less if you’re near a contractor’s store. Also, how hard the job is may affect the price. If your slabs are difficult to reach or they have several cracks, it’ll take too much time and thus cost you more.
A majority of the raising firms do have a minimum job requirement to cover tidy up, set up, and travel time. Most do cost over 400 dollars. And if the job you have is small, it will cost you less, unless you bundle the project with your neighbor.
What Kind of Foam Is Used to Raise Concrete?
The kind of foam used to raise concrete is known as polyurethane. And the method used to raise the slab is known as foam jacking. It is almost similar to mud jacking, which is an older technique and uses a slurry mixture to get the same outcomes.
The foam is also of a high density and thus able to raise and even stabilize the slabs. The equipment and material used are the same as those used in the spray foam insulation. Though the foam applied for lifting slabs is stronger.
The initial stage in the injection of the foam is drilling small-sized holes, like that of a penny. You can spray polyurethane foam in the hole and it will fill the voids under the concrete. It will then expand up to seven feet on the injected holes.
The slabs will be raised while stabilizing them and then filling the holes between the soil and concrete. Polyurethane does work well for sensitive, heavy, and large concrete slabs. It is also great for concrete that always needs to give back its services fast, as the roadways.
The best thing is that it dries fast and it won’t break down as time goes by. Moreover, its repair will be a durable solution. And hence, using it is better than going for sand or mud.
This method is deemed cleaner when it comes to environmental points of view. It, therefore, leaves less noticeable markings on the concrete and the concrete slab remains level for many years.
How Do You Fix a Sunken Concrete Slab?
You can fix a sunken concrete slab as follows;
Replace the Slab
Replacing the slab implies you remove the old one with the help of a jackhammer. You will then pull the pieces of the broken concrete slab or put them in a rented dumpster. When you’re done, you can pour new concrete.
However, you have to realize that replacing the slab can be costly as you’ll have to pay for demolition plus removal costs. And not forgetting the installation cost of the new slab.
Raising the Slab to a Correct Height
Raising the concrete is also known as slab jacking or concrete lifting. You can start by drilling holes using a good concrete drill. Ensure it goes through the concrete and the dirt beneath it.
Bore several holes in the concrete slab. After that, pump a mixture of sand and concrete through them. This will go underneath the slab and then lift it until it’s well leveled and gives a strong base.
The mixture is designed in such a way that it cures fast. When it’s all cured, all the holes are filled with concrete.
Conclusion
Moving a concrete slab can be a daunting task, but it is possible with the right tools and techniques. The easiest way to move a concrete slab is by either using a dolly or rollers/skates. Moving a heavy concrete slab requires careful planning and the right equipment.
The cost of lifting a slab depends on the number of slabs you need to lift and their sizes, as well as the location and difficulty of the job. Polyurethane foam is commonly used to raise concrete slabs.
Whether moving a concrete slab by hand or with machinery, it is important to take safety precautions and communicate effectively with your team.
